Cities & Towns · Saitama
Minano Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Minano, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Minano’s latest report came at 22:50 on April 1, 2026, when 2 black bears were seen in Shimodano, near the Minano Yorii tollbooth; one was an adult about 1 meter long and the other was a cub. Another bear was also reported in Shimotano on April 1, 2026, near the toll road management office, which shows the area is still seeing fresh activity after dark.
The most active spots around Minano have been Shimotano, Shimodano, 上の平, and the area near the Minano Nagatoro IC, with later evening reports also turning up near 戦場 and the Misawa Bridge upstream area. Activity has been busiest in February 2026, when 7 sightings were recorded, and the broader record now stands at 43 black bear sightings in all.
Minano Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Places in Saitama
Comments (1)
February had four reports in just one day on the 12th alone, which is way more concentrated than anything else on this list.
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Minano
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Minano?
Minano has recorded 43 bear incidents in total, with 4 reported in the last 30 days and 0 in the last 7 days. These reports are compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions, and can be viewed on the incident map.
When and where was the latest bear incident in Minano?
The most recent bear sighting in Minano was on April 1, 2026 in Minano, Saitama, where 2 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Minano?
Recent bear sightings in Minano have been concentrated in Minano Shimotano (4), Minano Ofuchi (4), Minano 笹原 (4). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Minano?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 4 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Minano?
Minano is home to Asian black bears, which weigh up to 120kg and inhabit the mountains of Honshu and Shikoku. They are generally shy but can be dangerous when surprised or protecting cubs. Carry bear bells while hiking.